Central Holidays today announced the expansion of its Marketing and Sales teams as part of the company's accelerated growth initiatives and its ongoing commitment to the travel agent community. The award-winning global travel provider has named Lori Corless to the role of Vice President, Marketing, joining Central Holidays with more than 25 years of experience in the travel industry. Central Holidays has also named to its rapidly-expanding sales force two more industry specialists with a third to join before the year’s end, including Giovanna Cilia-Wheatley and Lynn Seleck, CTC.

“These highly experienced travel industry professionals exemplify the high quality marketing and sales force that we are building,” said Tewfik Ghattas, SGI Board Member. “Their vast travel industry knowledge will make them great assets not only to our company, but also to travel agents, group planners, and industry partners.” Ghattas continued, “They will significantly enhance our existing efforts to market all Central Holidays products.”

As the new Vice President, Marketing, Lori Corless will be responsible for further developing the company’s brand identity, directing advertising and public relations, building strategic alliances, and managing all marketing programs, focusing strategically on the travel trade segment.

With a strong track record of success in marketing for travel related companies over more than two decades, Corless most recently served as Vice President of Mighty Marketing for the past ten years, developing and executing marketing programs for acclaimed companies including: Wyndham Worldwide, Trafalgar, United Vacations, Insight Vacations, Friendly Planet, Princess Cruises, Sceptre Tours, Journeys Unlimited, Regina Tours, Homeric Tours, Southwest Airlines, Oceania Cruises, Goway.com, Voyages to Antiquity, Visit Orlando, and many more. Her celebrated career in travel marketing includes serving as Vice President, TAM Inc. Travel Advertising Marketing, Director of Marketing for Central Holidays Travel Group, and Marketing Manager, Pacific Bestours. "Lori will be leading Central Holidays' efforts to increase our market reach in the travel trade – and most specifically to the travel agent community. Her command of the marketplace, in-depth knowledge of diverse marketing channels, and strong trade relationships are a tremendous resource for our company as we continue on our growth course," said Ghattas. "I am looking forward to enhancing relations with the travel agent community and to increasing our market share – working in close collaboration with James Zitani, our Vice President, Sales and with our provider partners to identify the right mix of promotions, press coverage, partner campaigns, traditional and digital marketing, and product information to increase our brand visibility and maximize sales," said Corless.

New additions to the Sales team include Giovanna Cilia-Wheatley as Regional Sales Manager - Mid-Atlantic and Lynn Seleck, CTC as Regional Sales Manager - South East. They will be responsible for executing the day-to-day sales activities and providing training and operations support as well as building the company’s travel agent base in their respective regions. In addition, Central Holidays will soon be announcing a new regional sales manager for the West Coast slated to start in the beginning of the new year, further reinforcing the company’s dedication to supporting the travel agent community from coast to coast, every step of the way.

Over her career, Cilia-Wheatley has served in key sales roles for world-class travel companies such as Virgin Atlantic Airways, Continental, and Alitalia. Seleck's experience in the travel industry dates back to 1985 and includes sales and management roles at renowned travel and hospitality companies including Isram Tours' LATOUR – specializing in travel to Cuba and Latin America, Delta Airlines Vacations, One Man Tours, as well as the Ramada and Renaissance hotel chains. These exciting new team members have established records of positive sales management, increasing revenues and market share, and building strong relationships with professionals throughout the travel industry.

"Our expanded team and the broad-based talents of these individuals ensure more customer focus and stronger partnerships,” explained Ghattas. “Coupling our capabilities with these experienced sales and marketing pros promotes ongoing success for Central Holidays and its clients."

Lynn Seleck, Regional Manager - Southeast can be reached at 800-935-5000 ext. 6308 or via email at lseleck@centralholidays.com and Giovanna Cilia-Wheatley, Regional Sales Manager - Mid-Atlantic can be reached at Call 800-935-5000 ext. 5364 or via email at gcilia-wheatley@centralholidays.com.